Banjo and Ro’s Grand Island Hotel

[theministerscat]

I’ve just binged all 6 episodes. I enjoyed it and I always like Banjo’s style but can’t quite understand how this can possibly work on their budget??? And then how the financials can possibly stack up when the window of being open is only 6 months of the year… They’d have to charge SO much and the kind of people with those kinds of budgets are probably not heading to Ulva to stay in a hotel full of salvaged and recycled pieces? I’d happily stay there though!

Also whether that very lovely kitchen is actually practical when cooking for a hotel full of guests!

What channel is this on?

I've just watched three episodes so far. I like Banjo's programmes too, even though his style isn't really mine, but like you can't understand the finances. The Boathouse can't bring in a huge amount and even doing so much work themselves the money they said they had at the start would be a drop in the ocean.
It was also strange to see them doing up these rooms when I thought new wiring etc was still to be done?
I guess we just enjoy it for what it is and not think too much about the realities!

It’s on BBC I player

@HtcunyaYes, was also a bit confused about them painting and decorating before they’d had the roof, wiring, plumbing etc. done!

I am so glad to have. Found thid

Just came across this info about some of the local background to the project - helps to understand a bit about how they are managing the costs. https://nwmullwoodland.co.uk/2026/01/05/ulva-house-from-ambition-to-action/?fbclid=IwdGRleAPMURpleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEetkqUE3X-a4Uq9sE2aHajuZZ2bsGsepWs-Y7KOrKlRRpaslsqb8Ly4kjC6Ec_aem_u6gSn74tE3MzfEob4SaYkw

I love Banjo and Ro and am full of admiration for them to take on this project. DD met Ro and Granpa last year on holiday

I've just watched it. I'm wondering how financially viable a hotel on Ulva would actually be.

To get there you first have to get a ferry to Mull, cross the island which is mainly single track roads, then get the small ferry to Ulva. (There's no airport or bridge to either island).
I've tried to visit Ulva once when I was staying with family on Mull, but the Ulva ferry wasn't running.

I'm sure they were both lovely!

The finances don't make sense. Even the windows costing £15000 seemed unlikely unless they only replaced some. And they have bathrooms to do.😮

However they've achieved a huge amount already and prevented the building from total decay so I hope it works out for them. Banjo's other TV work will help and maybe they'll have more series about Ulva. They are so personable and Grampa is gorgeous!

From what I have read they seem to only be financing the rooms. The roof, windows and electrics are being paid by the Trust. They are only leasing it.

It also has Government Funding both National and local, Funding from the Lottery and a few other specialist interest groups. Part of the profits from the hotel will be repaid. There are also plans for a Heritage Centre.

I believe it will be really popular especially with the BBC Programme having world wide reach.

I am no good at doing links, but if any one is interested in how it is being paid for, google “lottery funding for Ulva House” there is loads of info

We've just been quoted 30000 for replacing 7, much less complicated windows. That does include fitting, but still...

Ouch

Love Banjo! The budget mentioned in program I believe is just for decor…the actual bones of the place is covered by funding.

My only grumble is that with this (and his other programs) you see the start and the end…I’d be more interested in seeing the actual work being done and how it’s done.

Yes I was really sorry when Keith Brymer Jones programme ended. My GD took photos of his house when she went to Wales

Loved this. Great characters, fabulous scenery, sense of community plus the cutest dog (only 3rd best large dog in thd Mull show - Grandpa was robbed!)

I have watched Banjo on Interior Design Masters and Designing the Hebrides and now this has reached a peak for me as he is doing the interiors but this time with his partner Ro. They so obviously adore each other and the counterpoint of Ro’s pragmatism and mild despair over actual priorities (like fixing the roof) to Banjo’s determination for whimsical decorating makes this perfect TV in my book! The fact it is made by Scottish BBC with crappy credits and a less than slick folky soundtrack adds to the homespun charm. I’ve nearly finished it and want another series immediately!

Some great info on the hotel here. https://mulldirectory.co.uk/the-real-story-of-banjo-and-ros-grand-island-hotel/

Thanks for that update

Just finished this, lovely gentle series. I loved the feel and atmosphere and soundtrack. Not completely into Banjos designs especially the kitchen and to me the honeymoon suite doesn't scream luxury!
Agree pitching in producing rooms and decor when the windows, electricity and water aren't done is odd and would have liked more detail.
To me you'd get all that done first then the decorating last.

Really hoping for a second series